Italian Drunken Noodles is a flavorful fusion of Italian and Thai cuisine, combining hearty pappardelle pasta with spicy Italian sausage, aromatic garlic, and a rich tomato and white wine sauce. This dish gets its “drunken” name from the splash of wine used in the sauce, enhancing the deep, savory flavors. Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese add the perfect finishing touch, making this recipe an irresistible choice for pasta lovers. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, Italian Drunken Noodles is a must-try!
This easy-to-make dish brings bold flavors with minimal effort, making it a great option for busy cooks. The combination of spicy sausage, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant herbs creates a well-balanced sauce that clings perfectly to the wide, ribbon-like noodles. Pair it with a glass of wine and a side of crusty bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal. If you love classic Italian flavors with a modern twist, this Italian Drunken Noodles recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Cook time: 30 Min
Prep time: 30 Min
Serves: 6
Ingredients
– 1 lb italian sausage
– 1 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 tsp italian seasoning
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 red pepper, diced
– 1 yellow pepper, diced
– 1 orange pepper, diced
– 4 clove garlic, pressed
– 1/2 c white wine (like chardonnay)
– 1 can(s) diced tomatoes with juice (28 ounce)
– 2 Tbsp parsley
– 1/4 c basil, fresh
– 8 oz egg noodles
Directions
1. Place a large, heavy-bottom pan or braising pot over medium-high heat; add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and once the oil is hot, crumble the spicy Italian sausage in the pan to small chunks allowing it to brown in the oil for a few moments. Once the crumbled sausage is browned, remove it from the pan/pot with a slotted spoon and place into a small bowl to hold for a moment.
2. Place in pan the diced bell peppers, salt, Italian seasoning and cracked black pepper, and stir to combine. Allow those to saute for about 2 minutes until slightly tender.
3. Next add in the garlic, and once it becomes aromatic, add in the white wine and allow it to reduce for a few moments, until almost completely reduced. Add in the diced tomatoes with their juice, and return the browned spicy Italian sausage back into the pan, and gently fold the mixture to combine; allow it to gently simmer for about 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors, then turn the heat off.
4. To finish the sauce, drizzle in about 2-3 good tablespoons of the olive oil to create a silky, rich flavor, and add in the chopped parsley and about half of the julienned basil; stir, and keep warm while you prepare the noodles.
5. Prepare the egg noodles according to instructions on package; then, drain the noodles very well, and add them directly into the sauce, using tongs to gently toss and combine the egg noodles with the sauce and all of the ingredients in it; check the seasoning to see if you need to add any additional salt or pepper.
6. To serve, add equal portions of the “Drunken” noodles to bowls, and garnish with a sprinkle of the remaining julienned basil; you can even top with shaved Parmesan, if desired, and an extra drizzle of olive oil.
7. Last Step: Please ‘SHARE’ To Pass On This Recipe to a Friend Or Family Member.
Tips for the Best Italian Drunken Noodles
1. Choose the Right Pasta
Pappardelle is the best choice for this recipe because its wide, ribbon-like shape holds onto the sauce beautifully. However, if you can’t find pappardelle, fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even linguine will work well.
2. Use Quality Ingredients
Since this dish has simple ingredients, using high-quality Italian sausage, fresh basil, and good white wine makes all the difference.
3. Deglaze with Wine for Extra Flavor
Adding wine helps lift all the caramelized bits from the pan, giving the sauce a deeper, richer taste. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice.
4. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Cook the pasta until it’s al dente (slightly firm to the bite) since it will continue absorbing the sauce once combined.
Serving Suggestions
Italian Drunken Noodles is a flavorful and satisfying dish on its own, but you can enhance your meal with these sides:
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Caprese Salad – A fresh side with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- White Wine – Pair with the same wine used in the sauce, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: You can freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months. However, pasta is best enjoyed fresh!
Italian Drunken Noodles is a must-try dish for pasta lovers who enjoy bold, savory flavors with a hint of spice. This recipe brings together the best of Italian cooking—hearty sausage, fresh basil, and a rich tomato and wine sauce—all tossed with tender noodles. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.
Love this recipe? Find more tasty and cozy baking ideas on my Pinterest! Follow me here for inspiration: Pinterest – Feminologie.com
